PhD Student in Machine Learning for Information/Communication Technology

Our modern "connected world" is powered by a vast infrastructure of fiber-optic cables that connect cities, countries, and continents (see, for example, submarinecablemap.com ). Such cables provide high-speed data traffic over very long distances, and they collectively constitute the so-called Internet backbone. By harnessing recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), the aim of this project is to leverage this vast infrastructure not just for communication, but also as a global sensing network, capable of detecting real-time environmental changes, potential disasters (like earthquakes or landslides), and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

This PhD position is fully funded for 4 years (plus possible extension based on teaching & department duties) at one of Europe's leading technical universities. The PhD student will be supervised by Assist. Prof. Christian Häger, in collaboration with Prof. Erik Agrell (IEEE Fellow) and Prof. Magnus Karlsson (IEEE & Optica Fellow). We have a very large network of international collaboration partners, with many possibilities for longer research visits abroad, for example to Germany or the USA. We offer some of the highest salaries for PhD students in Europe, full social benefits and health insurance, no tuition fees for PhD studies, financial support for relocation, and more, see below for details.

The starting date is summer/autumn 2024. 

Information about the project and division
Deployed telecommunication fibers are nowadays used almost exclusively for transmitting data. On the other hand, we at Chalmers are exploring innovative ways to enhance fiber-optic networks to simultaneously serve as real-time environmental monitors. Our research blends elements of communication theory, machine learning, and photonics. In this project, the successful candidate will contribute to the newly emerging research area of integrated communication and fiber sensing. One objective is to develop novel theoretical models that capture the impact of environmental transients (for example an earthquake) on the optical propagation channel. A second objective is to explore new signal-processing algorithms that can natively support both high-speed data transmission and advanced polarization sensing. A particular emphasis will be placed on the application of emerging machine learning and data-driven techniques to optimize communication performance and sensing accuracy.

At the Department of Electrical Engineering , we conduct internationally renowned research spanning many fields and including information and communication theory, machine learning, and signal processing. We offer a dynamic, supportive, international research environment with well over 150 employees from more than 20 countries and an extensive national and international collaboration network that encompasses both other academic partners and industry. Our working language is English.

You will belong to a strong team of researchers in optical communications, organized in the research center FORCE . This center brings together researchers in communications, photonics, and electronics to solve hard problems in optical communications through a cross-disciplinary approach. The collaboration bridges traditional discipline boundaries and includes the whole chain from components to networks, from analysis to experiments.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility will be to perform cutting-edge research and independently formulate research questions within the project scope, as well as develop strategies for solving them. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and to communicate the results of your research (verbally and in writing) in major journals and conferences. The position includes also teaching at the undergraduate and M.Sc. level and other departmental duties of up to 20% full time (the employment contract is extended beyond the 4 years, accordingly).

Qualifications

Mandatory
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or related fields
- Strong background in digital communications, machine learning, and mathematics with excellent grades in the core courses within these subjects
- Knowledge of digital communication systems and signal processing
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in English
- Strong interest in pursuing research
- Independent, curious, and creative

Desirable
- Experience in implementing and simulating communication systems
- Courses and experience about fiber communication or sensing
- Previous experience in research, publication, and teaching

Swedish language skills are not required for this position. If you are interested in learning Swedish, our department offers Swedish language courses free of charge.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application consists of an application form (use the button at the bottom of the page) and attachments. The following attachments are required and should be included as PDF files (not Word or Zip). Do not send applications by email. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB.

CV:(Please name the document: CV_Surname_20230747.pdf)
• Educational and professional background
• Awards and distinctions
• Teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Other, for example previous leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Letter_Surname_20230747.pdf)
At most 1-2 pages where you:
• Briefly introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of your Bachelor's and/or Master's thesis
• Master's transcripts and degree certificates
• Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificates
• Other relevant certificates, for example TOEFL test results

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 2024-03-03

For questions, please contact:
Christian Häger, E2,
[email protected] (This email address is for questions only. Please do not email your CV or any other application documents)

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12395&rmlang=UK